10 Successful Entrepreneurs that Emerge from Side Hustles

Catherine Maborukoje
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From humble beginnings to global recognition, their stories are a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, reminding us that the road to success may be long and winding, but the destination is well worth the journey.

A new generation of entrepreneurs is rewriting the norms of business and redefining what it means to achieve one’s goals in a world where side gigs are commonplace and the gig economy is king. These millennial mavericks are not content to simply clock in and out of their 9-to-5 jobs; they are seizing opportunities, harnessing their passions, and turning their side hustles into thriving businesses that defy convention and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

From creative artisans to tech-savvy innovators, these 10 millennial entrepreneurs from around the world have defied the odds, overcome obstacles, and transformed their passion projects into profitable ventures that have captured the imagination of audiences far and wide. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit, proving that with determination and dedication, anything is possible.

Join us on a journey as we celebrate the ingenuity, creativity, and tenacity of these 10 millennial entrepreneurs who have dared to dream big, take risks, and carve out their paths to success. From humble beginnings to global recognition, their stories are a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, reminding us that the road to success may be long and winding, but the destination is well worth the journey.

Pete Cashmore

Pete Cashmore, founder and CEO of Mashable, started the company as a blog while he was still in high school. Today, Mashable is a leading source of news and information about technology, digital culture, and social media.
Folorunsho Alakija

Folorunsho Alakija is a Nigerian billionaire businesswoman and one of the most successful black female entrepreneurs. She is currently the Group MD of The Rose of Sharon Group and is involved in the fashion, oil, real estate, and printing industries. Folorunsho Alakija was listed as the 96th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes in 2014. She started her career as a secretary in a bank and later went on to establish her fashion label, Supreme Stitches. Today, she is one of the richest women in Africa.

Susan Wojcicki

Susan Wojcicki is the CEO of YouTube. She graduated with a BA from Harvard University and started her first business by selling “spice ropes” door-to-door when she was in college. She was involved in the founding of Google and became Google’s first marketing manager a year later. Today, she is one of the most influential women in technology.

Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Facebook, started the social media platform as a side project while he was a student at Harvard University. Today, Facebook is one of the largest and most influential tech companies in the world. Zuckerberg has been recognized as one of the most influential people in the world and has received numerous accolades for his contributions to technology and society. As of April 2024, his net worth was estimated at $185 billion, making him the fourth richest person in the world, according to Forbes.

5. Lynda Weinman

Lynda Weinman is the founder of Lynda.com, an online learning platform that offers courses in software, creative, and business skills. She started her career as a special effects animator and later went on to teach computer graphics at Art Center College of Design. In 1995, she co-founded Lynda.com, which was later acquired by LinkedIn in 2015. Today, she is a renowned entrepreneur and author.

Nkemdilim Begho

Nkemdilim Begho, sometimes referred to as the “leading lady” of the Nigerian IT sector, is responsible for setting up one of the country’s top IT service companies. She is a passionate advocate for the use of technology in education and has been recognized for her contributions to the Nigerian tech industry.

Sara Blakely

Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, started the company by cutting the feet off her control top pantyhose and selling them out of her apartment. Today, Spanx is a multi-million-dollar brand that has revolutionized the women’s undergarment industry.

8. Zanele Thabede-Vilakati

Zanele Thabede-Vilakati is a female entrepreneur from Eswatini who has taken event management in the country to a whole new level. She started her career by selling muffins in high school for pocket money and later turned her talent in painting and face painting into a weekend business. Today, she is the founder and CEO of Women Working Together, an organization that helps women entrepreneurs in Eswatini build powerful, professional, and personal networks.

Brian Chesky

Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, started the company as a way to make extra money while he was in graduate school. Today, Airbnb is a multi-billion-dollar company that has revolutionized the hospitality industry.

10. Anne Wojcicki

Anne Wojcicki, co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, started the company as a way to make genetic testing more accessible and affordable. Today, 23andMe is a leading provider of personal genetic testing and has raised over $700 million in funding.

These entrepreneurs prove that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of creativity, a side hustle can be turned into a successful business. They have inspired countless others to pursue their passions and build their own businesses, contributing to the growth and development of their respective industries and communities.